When it comes to cooking meat, turkey is one of the hardest ones to master. This is not only due to it being hard to retain its moisture but because it is difficult to indicate when it is properly cooked.
Turkey burgers are a great and easy meal for all the family to enjoy, however it will only taste its best if the internal temperature is correct.
This article will be delving into the topic of turkey burgers, showing how you know it is done based on its internal temperature.
Why Choose Turkey Burgers?
If someone were to mention burgers, the first thing you would think about is beef or chicken, however more recently it has been found that turkey has been exploding in popularity.
But why is this? What is all the hype about? The reason why everyone is so drawn to the turkey burger is because of its great health benefits. This is a great meal for those who are wanting to lose weight or simply want to have a healthier diet.
As ground turkey holds a lower percentage of fat, many benefit from replacing their usual burgers with this alternative yet they also struggle to cook it perfectly.
Turkey is notorious in the cooking world, many home cooks complaining about how difficult to is to cook a turkey without it turning dry, however it is really not as hard as many make it out to be.
So long as you educate yourself on the turkey itself, you will find yourself not only cooking it well but coming out with a delicious dish.
What is the Internal Temperature for Cooking Turkey Breast to Ensure it is Safe to Eat?
When cooking turkey breast, it’s important to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee it’s safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the temperature. Following the recommended cooking turkey breast facts will help prevent any foodborne illnesses and ensure a delicious meal.
When Is A Turkey Burger Done Cooking?
It can be difficult to figure out when a turkey burger has finished cooking, especially if you are not measuring its temperature.
When cooking meat, it is very helpful to have a food thermometer. This allows you to measure the meat’s internal temperature and provide you with a clear reading to show you when it is done cooking.
A turkey burger has to have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be fully cooked – only once it has reached this number can you take the turkey off the heat to serve up.
Compared to other meats with an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, turkey requires a higher internal heat however this makes it easy for the meat to become dry.
There are some chefs who will even wait longer, making the internal temperature reach a high 180 degrees Fahrenheit, however it is best not to do this if you are not a professional.
You Don’t Always Need To Use A Thermometer
The easiest and most efficient way to determine a turkey burger’s internal temperature is to use a thermometer. This is many people’s go-to method as it is quick, easy, and requires you to do very little work.
Simply place the thermometer into the meat and read the number it says. Although this method is easy and guarantees you accurate results, there are other ways of reading the internal temperature.
These methods are great for those who do not own a thermometer or who simply prefer not to rely on electronics to do manual work.
Below, we will be listing some alternative methods you can use to measure your turkey burger’s internal temperature:
Timing Method
Instead of using a thermometer, you can rely on accurate timing to determine whether your burgers are done. When cooking turkey burgers raw, this needs to be cooked over a medium for 5-6 minutes on either side.
For them to cook thoroughly, it is best to keep a lid over the meat as they cook on the grill as it will lock in as much heat as possible. At this point, your burgers should be ready to eat, but always double
check the color. If the turkey looks pink, give it another 5 minutes. Remember not to overcook the meat, however. Turkey is notorious for drying out so you want to cook it accurately.
If you are cooking raw turkey patties, these will need 8 minutes on each side. You will know they are done when both of the sides are brown and crispy.
Juice Method
Another method you can try is the juice method. This is a method that a lot of people use when it comes to cooking meat, not only because it works but because it gives them peace of mind that it is cooked through.
For this method, grab a fork or a knife and gently stab the turkey meat with it. here, you will see juice pour out. If the juice is clear, then your turkey burger is done and ready to eat.
If the juice is red or pink, then it is not. Check these juices every few minutes until you are satisfied that they are cooked and good to eat.
Touch Method
The touch method is best used by those who know their meat well and are skilled at grilling. This method only requires your hand to determine whether your turkey burger is done. Simply take your thumb and press it into the center of the burger.
You should notice that the burger is hot to the touch, springs back but is also firm – this is a clear sign it is done. If the turkey burger is cold, warm, or feels fleshy to the touch, then you should keep it on the grill for some time longer.
This method is risky as you are only relying on touch but is a great tool for those who are used to cooking meat and don’t have a thermometer on them.
Final Thoughts
Turkey burgers are a great choice to have as a meal because it is healthy and good for you, but it can be a pain to cook.
The best way to know that you are eating a burger that is safe and fully cooked is to establish its internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once this is done, you can dig in and enjoy that delicious burger.